Biomedical sciences and biotechnology degree personal statement example (1a)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My passion for Science began at a young age. At school, we were doing a Biology project and I chose to study the Fly Agaric mushroom. That was when I began to realise the complexity of living things right down to a cellular level. My interest in Biology and Chemistry has expanded; they are both my strongest subjects. As I feel most capable in these areas, I decided a few years ago that this would be the subject that I would like to study at degree level. This year I have taken Physics at Higher, having never before done the subject. I chose to do so because after completing Higher Chemistry and Higher Human Biology, I realised how related the three disciplines of science really are, where there are often applications in common with each other, and how it would benefit my studies. Pushing myself in this way has been one of my best decisions to date as I am obtaining and maintaining significantly good grades, especially considering I had never learned the basics at Standard Grade.

My plan for post-university is still undecided; I do have a good idea of what I'd like to do. I would like to test my new skills in laboratories in hospitals and/or possibly begin a career in research. After that, I want to train as a teacher. I've learnt many skills already from helping in classes for S1-S4 and I have recently started tutoring a S4 pupil in Biology and Chemistry. Being able to help someone understand my main interests feels very rewarding to me; I love helping people. I have spoken to several teachers, lab technicians and researchers to see what their line of work is really like and I have heard exactly what I wanted to hear. It's like they're living the life I want to live. I would seize the opportunity of a Science degree if it were to be offered to me.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

My interest in Biology and Chemistry has expanded and they are my strongest subjects. This year I took Physics at Higher level, despite never previously studying it, because I realised how related Chemistry, Human Biology, and Physics are with common applications across them. Taking on this challenge has been one of my best decisions as I am achieving and maintaining very good grades, especially considering I did not learn Physics basics at Standard Grade.

In 5th Year, I achieved the following grades: English (Higher) - C, Maths (Higher) - B, Chemistry (Higher) - B, Human Biology (Higher) - B, Psychology (Intermediate 2) - A. In 6th Year, I gained English (Higher) - A and Physics (Higher) - C.

I initially started Advanced Higher Chemistry and Biology in sixth year but dropped Chemistry after deciding not to attend Heriot Watt, and after receiving an unconditional offer, I neglected my other subjects and failed the Advanced Higher Biology, which I regret. Maintaining strong grades in your chosen university subject is important even with unconditional offers.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Outside of formal education, I have taken on several significant commitments. I lead Mackie Academy's entry in the Rock Challenge 2011, an international dance and drama competition where schools in Aberdeen compete to reach the final event in Grimsby. Since 2009, Mackie Academy has consistently reached the final, and my role requires considerable organisation which I manage alongside maintaining above-average academic performance.

This year, I was elected House Captain by my Guidance Teacher and Depute Rector. Though demanding, this role has allowed me to help organise the Sixth Year Prom and Interhouse Activities.

Music has been a huge part of my life since I learned guitar at age 12. Even after stopping professional lessons two years ago, I continue to improve my skills and have held concerts in Aberdeen. Playing live audiences has been a wonderful opportunity.

I also volunteer at the Stonehaven Community Centre as a session worker since March 2009. This commitment earned me a "Young Quality Scot" award, given to only 100 under-25s in Scotland each year.

Additionally, I have worked as a tutor for a senior pupil in Biology and Chemistry, nurturing my love of helping others understand these subjects.

My independence extends to having worked almost continuously since I was 14, supporting myself financially. This stems partly from personal experience, having lost my father to cancer at age 11 due to a late diagnosis. This profound event further fueled my interest in the human body and the applications of chemistry.

Universities applied to:

• University of Edinburgh
• University of Strathclyde
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Robert Gordon University
• Heriot Watt University

Grades achieved:

• English (Higher) - C
• Maths (Higher) - B
• Chemistry (Higher) - B
• Human Biology (Higher) - B
• Psychology (Intermediate 2) - A
• English (Higher) - A
• Physics (Higher) - C

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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